What is a Backflow Device?
A backflow prevention device is designed to protect your drinking water by preventing contaminated water from flowing back into the public water supply. These devices are installed wherever there is an increased risk of contamination and play an important role in safeguarding both your property and the wider community.
Backflow can occur when there is a sudden drop in water mains pressure or an increase in pressure within your property’s plumbing system, which can cause contaminated water from irrigation systems, fire services, chemical storage, medical equipment or other non-potable sources to be drawn back into the clean drinking water supply. A backflow prevention device automatically prevents this from happening. To ensure it continues operating correctly, testable backflow prevention devices must be inspected and tested annually by a licensed plumber.
Residential Properties That Need Backflow Protection
Homes with a rainwater tank plumbed into internal fixtures, or fitted with an automatic mains changeover device, may require backflow prevention. The changeover point is where tank water and mains water meet, and without protection a drop in mains pressure can draw non-potable water back into the drinking supply. Our licensed plumbers can assess the setup and recommend the right level of protection.
Properties drawing on both bore water and town water need protection to keep the two supplies separate. Bore water is not treated to drinking water standards, so any cross-connection is a contamination risk to the public network as well as to your own household. Where a device is required, we can supply, install and register it, then keep it tested on the annual schedule.
Running a hair salon, beauty clinic, veterinary practice or similar business from home can change what your plumbing is required to do. Depending on the nature of the business and your council’s requirements, a registered backflow prevention device may be needed. We can review the work being carried out on site, explain your obligations and install the appropriate device.
Large homes and apartment complexes with dedicated fire sprinkler or hydrant systems often require backflow protection. Water standing in a fire service line is not fit to drink, and fire services are among the sources most likely to be drawn back into the mains during a pressure drop. We test, service and report on these devices alongside the rest of your compliance.
Does My Commercial Property Need a Backflow Device?
- Commercial buildings
- Schools and childcare centres
- Swimming pools
- Sporting facilities
- Irrigation systems
- Multi-unit developments
- Industrial premises
- Shopping centres
If you are unsure whether you need a backflow prevention device, check with your facilities manager regarding existing installations, then give us a call to discuss.
Backflow for Residential Properties
Many bidets, bidet toilet seats and hand-held bidet sprays require backflow protection to prevent contamination of the drinking water supply. Our licensed plumbers can advise on the appropriate level of protection and ensure your installation complies with Australian Standards.
Properties with automatic pool top-up systems may require backflow protection to prevent pool water entering the drinking water supply.
Automatic irrigation systems connected to the mains water supply often require backflow protection, particularly where fertilisers or chemicals may be introduced.
Why Annual Backflow Device Testing Matters
Regular testing ensures your backflow prevention device is operating correctly and continues to prevent contaminated water from entering the public water supply. When you choose Adept Plumbing & Gas, we’ll carry out your annual test, lodge the required compliance documentation directly with your local council and ensure your records are kept up to date. Our automated reporting system streamlines the entire process, making compliance simple and hassle-free.
To make things even easier, our system tracks when your next inspection is due. Rather than waiting for a reminder notice from council, we’ll contact you to arrange your annual test at a convenient time, helping you stay compliant while reducing disruption to your home or business.
What is a Thermostatic Mixing Valve?
A Thermostatic Mixing Valve (TMV) is designed to protect people from burns and scalding by automatically blending hot and cold water to deliver water at a safe, consistent temperature. Even if the incoming water temperature or pressure changes, the TMV continually adjusts to maintain a safe outlet temperature. Unlike a backflow prevention device, which protects the drinking water supply from contamination, a TMV is designed solely to protect people from excessively hot water. TMVs are generally required to be tested and serviced every six months to ensure they continue operating correctly and remain compliant. They are commonly installed in facilities where vulnerable people may be using hot water, including hospitals, aged care facilities, schools, childcare centres, disability accommodation, medical facilities and public amenities. Adept Plumbing & Gas provides TMV testing, servicing, repairs and replacements to help keep your facility safe and compliant.
Need Your Backflow or TMV Device Tested?
Whether your annual test is due, your device requires repairs or you’re installing a new backflow prevention device or Thermostatic Mixing Valve, our licensed plumbers are here to help. We provide professional testing, servicing, repairs, installations and compliance reporting for residential, commercial and strata properties throughout Brisbane, Logan and the surrounding suburbs.
We proudly partner with schools, childcare centres, sporting facilities, body corporates, medical facilities and commercial property managers to deliver scheduled testing and preventative maintenance programs. If you manage multiple properties, we can tailor a compliance schedule to ensure your devices are tested, serviced and reported on time.
Book your backflow or TMV inspection today and let Adept Plumbing & Gas take the hassle out of compliance.
Once you are on our schedule the compliance side largely looks after itself. Our system tracks when your next test falls due, we contact you to arrange it at a convenient time, carry out the test and lodge the documentation with your local council, so the first you hear about it is us rather than a reminder notice.
Why Our Customers Keep Coming Back
After more than 17 years in business, Adept Plumbing & Gas has built long-term relationships with thousands of homeowners, businesses and property managers. Here is what customers value most.
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frequently asked questions
How often does my backflow device need testing?
Most registered backflow prevention devices must be tested every 12 months by a licensed plumber. Once you engage Adept Plumbing & Gas, we’ll take care of the testing, compliance reporting and ongoing reminders, making it easy to keep your property compliant.
Who is responsible for arranging testing?
While the property owner is ultimately responsible for ensuring their backflow device is tested on time, we make the process simple. Our system tracks your annual testing schedule and contacts you before your next inspection is due.
What happens if my device fails?
If your backflow device doesn’t pass its annual test, we’ll explain why and provide upfront pricing for any repairs or replacement required, then carry out the necessary work promptly and submit the required documentation to council.
Can you install a new backflow device?
Yes. Whether you’re installing a new irrigation system, commercial facility or another plumbing system requiring backflow protection, we can recommend, supply and install the appropriate device, completed to Australian Standards and local council requirements.
Do you submit paperwork to council?
Yes. We lodge all required compliance documentation with your local council following your annual test, and keep a record of your next due date to make future compliance straightforward.
What is the difference between a backflow device and a TMV?
A backflow prevention device protects the public drinking water supply by preventing contaminated water from flowing back into the mains water network. A Thermostatic Mixing Valve protects people by blending hot and cold water to deliver water at a safe temperature, helping prevent burns and scalding in facilities where vulnerable people may be using hot water.
